Simeon took him [Jesus] in his arms and praised God,
saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:28-32 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, this passage records a tender moment and a glorious mystery. Eight days after your birth, Simeon took you in his arms, and worshipped God. Yet it was by your arms that all things have been made, are being sustained, and will be made new one Day. Astonishing.
We too worship our Father in response to the humility of your incarnation, the magnificence of our salvation, and the sure hope of the Gospel. From eternity, you came close to us in Bethlehem. And now we’re even closer to you; for our Father has graciously hidden our lives in yours. You will never leave or forsake us—even today, the final Saturday of December 2019.
Because you have embraced us in the Gospel, we enjoy the same peace Simeon experienced. Your grip of grace is much tighter than any grip we can muster, Jesus. You are our peace and joy, our righteousness and redemption, our holiness and happiness, our sanity and surety. The saints in heaven are more joyful than us, but they’re not more loved or more secure.
As we stare 2020 in the face, prepare us to live by the rhythms of grace at the pace of peace. Slow. Us. Down. Like Simeon, we want to live thankfully, intentionally, and expectantly.
Continue to show us the difference between things that matter, and things that don’t matter “diddly-squat.” If we’re going to be in a hurry about anything in the new decade, may it be to go deeper and linger longer in your dazzling beauty and lavish love. Everything else will take care of itself. So very Amen we pray, in your glorious and grace-full name.